Omegas' benefits for dogs

Did you know that Omega fatty acids have revolutionized the pet health world? They are what you can call "nutritional superheroes." These essential fatty acids are crucial for supporting a range of functions in your dog's body, making them essential for maintaining optimal health.

 

As vital to dogs as to humans, these nutrients are essential for optimal health and vitality. Let's dive into the world of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids!

 

These awesome fatty acid families offer incredible benefits but remember: each type has its own superpowers for supporting different body parts and functions.

Jump to: 

1. What is Omega 3 & Omega 6?
   
2. What is the difference between Omega 3 & Omega 6?
   
3. Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids benefits
   

• • Omega 3 benefits for healthy joints
    
  • Omega-3s, Omega-6s for skin and coat health
    
  • Omega-3s & cognitive function
    
  • Omega-3s, Omega-6s for immune function & kidney health
    

4. Practical Ways to Give Your Dog Omega Fatty Acids
   
5. Conclusion

What is Omega 3 & Omega 6?

Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) that dogs cannot produce on their own, they must be supplied by the dog's diet. However, these fatty acids are crucial for various bodily functions, from maintaining healthy skin and a shiny coat to supporting brain development and a strong immune system.

What is the difference between Omega 3 & Omega 6?

• Omega 3:

  • Primarily found in fatty fish (such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel), fish oil, flaxseed, chia seeds, and canola oil.

  • Known for their anti-inflammatory properties.

  • Helps reduce inflammation, improve joint health, and support brain and eye function.

• Omega 6:

  • Found in various plant-based oils (sunflower oil, corn oil or soybean oil), meat, and eggs.

  • Play a role in cell growth, hormone production, and maintaining a healthy inflammatory response.

Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids benefits

✅  Omega 3 benefits for healthy joints

• Have powerful anti-inflammatory properties

• Work by supporting COX & LOX pathways that convert arachidonic acid into inflammatory mediators.

• Proven relief for pain & discomfort in arthritic dogs, improving mobility and quality of life.

• A must-have for optimal joint health - especially these formats of Omega-3 fatty-acids: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)

• For joint health, we want to reduce the amount of Omega-6 and increase the ratio of Omega-3 to Omega-6.

 

Supplementing your dog's food with fish oil, such as anchovies oil or salmon oil or other sources derived from cold-water fish, is an excellent way to support joint health. Our Jope Hip & Joint Dog Chews  contain a great amount of Omega 3 to ensure maximum benefits for your pooch's joints.

 

✅  Omega-3s, Omega-6s for skin and coat health

Healthy skin and a shiny coat are often indicators of a well-balanced diet rich in Omega fatty acids.

• Essential for a robust skin barrier and a shiny coat.

• Usually with a 5:1 ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 (5 times more Omega-6s than Omega-3s).

• For skin issues or allergies, a balanced 1:1 ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 is recommended.

• Omega-3 reduces inflammation, while Omega-6 defends against allergens and microorganisms, supporting the cell membranes and body's protective barrier.

✅ Omega-3s & cognitive function

• Essential for brain and eye development in puppies and pregnant/lactating dogs.

• Deficiencies in EPA & DHA (considered essential Omega 3 types) can cause nervous system abnormalities.

• DHA is a crucial component of the eyes (retina) and the brain (15%).

✅ Omega-3s, Omega-6s for immune function & kidney health

• Omega-3s combat inflammation-causing molecules.

• Both play an important role in regulating hormones.

• EPA and DHA are recommended for long-term kidney health and to prevent kidney disease.

👉 Practical Ways to Give Your Dog Omega Fatty Acids

You can boost your dog's health by adding foods rich in Omega fatty acids to their diet.

• Fish: Cold-water fish like salmon are excellent sources of Omega-3s.

• Oils: Vegetable oils (sunflower, soybean, corn) and animal fats provide Omega-6s.

• Pet Food: Choose pet foods formulated with a balanced ratio of Omega-3s and Omega-6s.

 

For dogs with specific needs:

• Weight management: Consider dietary adjustments alongside Omega-3 supplementation.

• Skin issues: Fish oil supplements can help improve skin and coat health.

• Kidney disease: Omega-3s can support kidney function in some cases.

 

💡 Extra tip: Flaxseed oil is a plant-based source of alpha-linolenic acid, another type of Omega-3, but it does not significantly contribute to EPA and DHA, the beneficial Omega-3s for joints.

Conclusion

Omega-3s and Omega-6s are important for your dog's well-being. These fatty acids support joint health, improve skin and coat, enhance brain function, and even help protect kidney health. By incorporating a variety of sources, such as fish oil, vegetable oils, and balanced pet food, into your dog's diet, you can ensure they receive the full spectrum of benefits these essential fatty acids offer.

 

💡Want to learn more about other beneficial ingredients for your dog? Check out our articles here